Donnae Morton
From the picturesque Land of 10,000 Lakes, Donnae Morton proudly represents the state as Miss Rodeo Minnesota 2024. Hailing from a multi-generational agricultural family in Winthrop, Minnesota, Donnae was raised with a deep respect for the land, family values, and the traditions that define the Western way of life. Her childhood was filled with experiences that rooted her firmly in the world of rodeo and agriculture, and her connection to these values continues to shape her journey today.
A graduate of the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Donnae earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management, with minors in marketing and coaching. Her academic journey reflects her diverse interests, combining her love for sports with a passion for leadership and teaching. Beyond her studies, Donnae was actively involved in her community, her church, and numerous extracurricular activities throughout her youth. As a member of 4-H, FFA, and high school rodeo, she learned valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—principles she carries with her today as Miss Rodeo Minnesota.
Some of her most cherished memories come from traveling with her family to her father’s PRCA rodeos. Whether it was cheering him on from the stands or following him around with her brothers on their ponies, those trips instilled in Donnae a lifelong love for the rodeo community. The experiences she gained while attending these rodeos, and participating in her own rodeo events, have helped Donnae build a strong foundation for her role as a rodeo queen and community ambassador.
Donnae considers herself incredibly blessed to have been raised in such a supportive and rodeo-centered family. Her love for horses and rodeo runs deep, and she continues to embrace this passion today by training horses, competing in events, and offering riding lessons to others. Her desire to help others develop a love for rodeo and horsemanship is a testament to her dedication to the sport and its future.
As Miss Rodeo Minnesota 2024, Donnae’s platform centers on the theme “Rise and Shine.” Her message encourages people to rise above whatever challenges they may face and to shine their light brightly, no matter the circumstances. Donnae believes that by living with a heart full of faith and determination, one can face any challenge with grace and strength. Her faith is central to her life, and she strives to honor God in everything she does—through her actions, words, and interactions with others. Her platform is a reflection of her belief that we all have a purpose and that we can make a positive impact on the world around us by living with integrity, compassion, and courage.
Her commitment to her faith is grounded in the belief that we are called to “Act Justly, Walk Humbly, Love Unconditionally.” These values guide her everyday life and in her work as a rodeo queen. Whether she is engaging with young rodeo athletes, promoting the sport, or representing the Western lifestyle at public events, Donnae approaches every opportunity with a heart full of gratitude and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Through her title as Miss Rodeo Minnesota, Donnae is not just representing the sport of rodeo—she is inspiring others to live out their values and dreams with passion and purpose. As she continues her reign, Donnae hopes to encourage others to rise above challenges, to share their light with the world, and to honor the Western traditions of faith, family, and hard work that have shaped her life.
With her deep connection to her agricultural roots, her love for rodeo, and her unwavering faith, she is a true role model for the next generation of rodeo queens, athletes, and leaders. She is a shining example of what it means to Rise and Shine, always giving God the glory in everything she does.
